Trick or Treat

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The realization that the holidays were quickly approaching hit me when I visited a mall last week. It was Halloween, and the "marketing geeks" were once again attempting to westernize our third-world country by organizing a trick-or-treat event with costumes. That's fine; I don't see any harm in it. Kids enjoy dressing up as fictional characters and asking for candy, while parents indulge in spending money on those extravagant costumes. It's their thing.

However, what they fail to realize is that we don't have to wait until October 31 to wear costumes and ask for treats. In the Philippines, every day can be Halloween! Just look at the streets filled with children wearing their costumes for their daily survival, engaging in a never-ending trick-or-treat party. And the best part is, you can give them more than just candy. You can offer money, actual food, or even that milkshake you just bought and took a few sips from. They're not just seeking a sugar fix; they're seeking basic necessities for their everyday lives.

That being said, I believe taking your kids to a trick-or-treat party is not a good idea. These events can have a negative influence on children. The concept of wearing a costume and asking for treats in exchange for avoiding mischief promotes undesirable behavior. It reinforces the idea that obtaining something by trading or demanding can lead to negative outcomes. Blackmail, kidnapping for ransom, robbery, hostage-taking, bribery, slavery, prostitution, corruption, terrorism, and even show business—all of these share a common denominator: the fundamental concept of trick-or-treating.

So, next time, think twice before dressing up your child as a Powerpuff Girl or any other character associated with trick-or-treating.

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